Pencak Silat

One of the ‘finds’ of the nineties martial arts scene, Pencak Silat has quickly become popular. The name is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of different fighting forms from different areas of the Indonesian archipelago, formerly known as the Dutch East Indies until the colonizing power left in 1949. Deadly in execution, the art has remained highly combat-oriented without softening approaches to appeal to a mass audience. As well as being an effective fighting art, Pencak Silat is very much a spiritual practice also, with a close affinity to Islam. Some pandekar (master teacher) claim that they are taught the highest principles of the art by former, now dead, masters. Whatever the truth of these claims, the art may still be studied without attention to the religious or spiritual aspects.

This style of fighting is believed to have been heavily influenced by both Indian and Chinese martial arts. Legend holds that Silat was created by a young lady from Sumatra, Bersilat, and it is from her that the Malaysian form gains its name. In the latter case, it is more probable that Silat entered Malaysia through the Malaccan court and came to be known as Bersilat, or just Silat.

Training in Pencak Silat is progressive and suited for different skill levels. Central to learning is the practice of forms that are often dance-like in appearance (called pencak) and sparring (silat). Free sparring, or sambut, is an integral part of learning. More advanced practice includes kerojak, where several armed or unarmed opponents attack the defender (while controlling blows) as well as kebatinan, or spiritual training. Study also includes heavy exposure to weapons. Like most warrior arts, the empty hand forms and techniques grew in response to the presumption that the defender would be facing an armed attacker on the battlefield (having lost his weapon somehow).

With several hundred forms of Silat (including forms of Bersilat found in Malaysia), it is easier to distinguish styles according to combative strategies. Seven main approaches to fighting include: the use of open palm strikes, the use of ground fighting, the use of locks and grappling techniques, the use of kicks and sweeps, the use of quick movements, the use of powerful strikes, and the use of weapons.

In general, more common forms of unarmed Pencak Silat use close quarters fighting techniques. Elbow strikes, locks, and takedowns form an impressive arsenal. More advanced practice concentrates on attacking pressure points to disable an attacker without causing permanent harm or damage.

Styles of Pencak Silat include Bhakti Negara (found in Bali), Champaka Putih (using sweeps and thtows), Harimau (‘Tiger’ style), Kara Ton (Royal style), Serah (Badui style), Soetji Hati (‘Heart’ style), Tji Kalong (‘Bat’ style), and Tjimande (River style).

Pencak Silat may also go under the name Pukulan, which designates indigenous Indonesian martial arts not overtly affected by Chinese or Indian styles.

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